new catholicism 2

A few years ago I wrote a post entitled "new catholicism" and I find it may warrant a follow up discussion, so I have decided to outline a few ways that evangelicalism may be taking a journey toward new catholicism, a dangerous yet ever so subtle progression.

1. A restoration of ritualized worship. It is interesting that in postmodern times, where a forsaking of strict tradition is sometimes fare, there is a resurgence of ritualized worship. Be it fringe catholic practices such as lectio divina and labyrinths (my experience was strange), or seemingly harmless rituals as lighting of candles to set the mood, the tone is a subtle reliance on extra-biblical effects to produce a worshipful experience.

2. A movement toward tradition as authority. A few years ago Rob Bell's church community posted an article arguing against the notion of Scripture as authority. It was soon removed, yet the pervasive mindset remains: Community must be elevated as essential for interpretation, for the Bible is not designed to be sufficient. Though at face value it is important to have community involvement in interpretation, we must remember the importance of the sufficiency and authority of God's Word (Psalm 19), though we must not abuse the principle of "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25 nkjv)."

3. A subtle change of understanding salvation. Traditionally Protestants and Evangelicals were taught that Catholics teach salvation by works. But, when Protestants realize the subtle similarities between their doctrines, they are left to believe that maybe the Catholics have it right! For, Catholics actually don't teach salvation by works (though that is the result), but that "salvation is by grace through faith, and grace is administered by works." It is the faith and grace alone that they miss... leaving Protestants (even Grace Brethren and Baptists I have met) believing that the Catholic catechism is correct.

So how should we respond? Paul gives us some helpful advice against legalism, aestheticism and the like:

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. ⁹ For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; ¹⁰ and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power Colossians 2:8-10 nkjv)."